Q&A

 Journeyman

The big wire on the starter should have 12VDC to it all the time. The smaller wire is from the ignition but first goes through relays and other wires. There should be 12VDC at the smaller wire when the key is turned to the start position. If there is no power at the small wire when turned to the start position you may have a bad starter relay which is located under the hood in fue box. Another way to check statrer which I probably shouldnt tell you because of the danger bt if you jump the large wire to the small wire with a long screw driver the starter should engage. If the key is on when you do this the car will start and run. Be careful for any moving parts. When you jump the two wire terminal there will be a spark and it is necessary that you dont keep jumpinng the terminals if you get scared and back up. Doing this could also damage the threads on the starter if you do it more then once causing it to be difficult to remove nuts if starter is bad.